Last-minute write-in bid creates Westford selectman's race

WESTFORD -- Selectman Mark Kost was running for another term unopposed, but a write-in challenger emerged just days before Tuesday's town elections.

Juliette Mount, a program manager who has been a vocal opponent of efforts to put a restaurant on the Drew Gardens property, decided to launch a last-minute effort to unseat Kost after hearing him speak at a candidates' forum Saturday. The timing of the decision drew criticism from Kost.

Mount said she believes that Kost, like the rest of the board, did not do enough to enforce agricultural preservation restrictions on the Drew Gardens site, which she lives near. She also said she finds Kost "dismissive" of resident concerns at times.

"I want to make sure that abutters and members of the communities who are most affected by decisions in this town are included in the discussion," Mount said. "I want to protect this town and I don't see that happening with Mr. Kost."

Mount's decision came well after the March 13 deadline to get on the ballot by submitting signed nomination papers, so she can only secure votes as a write-in candidate. She said she had a "few dozen" individuals helping spread her name.

Kost pushed back on Mount's comments, arguing that her late effort denies voters a chance to witness open debate between the candidates.

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"You show no respect for the voting community when you choose to do a write-in campaign as opposed to allowing a full set of discussions on a variety of matters that allows all voters to have input and have people ask you questions and allow you to respond," Kost said. "At the end of the day, no one really knows where you stand on anything. I think that shows a lack of respect, not respect."

Mount said questions about the timing of her run are "fair" and said she initially thought she could achieve progress on issues close to her as a vocal resident. In recent days, however, she decided to try her luck.

"When I realized (Kost) was running uncontested, plus encouragement of town members, I thought better late than never," Mount said.

She said it was "very possible" she would run a full campaign in 2019 if she is unsuccessful.

Kost was first elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2015. The only race in Tuesday's election that will be contested on the ballot is for School Committee, where four candidates -- three of them incumbents -- are running for three seats.

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